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According to a Mayhew spokesman, many dogs will suffer from eye and breathing problems, skin diseases and neurological and dental problems.

“We don't know how long poor Ivy had been on the streets for,” said Mayhew animal rescue centre's head vet Dr Ursula Goetz.

“When she first arrived at the home, she had very sore and inflamed eyes – she was obviously in a lot of discomfort so we immediately checked her over.”

Could you provide a loving home for 15-month-old Ivy? (Image: Mayhew)

Mayhew's vet Emma Robinson added: “Poor Ivy has had a couple of eye problems that can be more commonly seen in brachycephalic breeds such as bulldogs and Boxers.

“One of these problems was Cherry Eye, which is when the gland within the third eyelid, that produces a component of tears, prolapses out of the eye, causing the pink tissue to become inflamed and dry.

“We performed surgery to replace the gland to its normal position – unfortunately for Ivy, this problem currently occurs in both eyes and sure enough her other developed Cherry Eye as the other one healed."

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She added: “Once fixed, she still wasn't free from irritated, itchy eyes, as she was found to suffer from distichiasis - a condition where eyelashes grow from the wrong part of the eyelid, meaning they rub on the eyeball.

“We decided to perform surgery on both eyes to remove a piece of skin so that the eyelashes would no longer roll inwards, irritating her eyes.”

Ivy when she first arrived at Mayhew after being abandoned (Image: Mayhew)

After a few weeks recovering from the surgery, Ivy is back on her paws and “running around getting up to mischief” at the Mayhew centre.

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After being neutered and receiving vaccinations, Ivy was put in foster care so she could enjoy a loving home while she recovered.

As soon as the vet team was satisfied she was in good health, the 15-month-old was put up for adoption and is looking for a new home.

One of Mayhew's kennel staff with Ivy (Image: Mayhew)

Dr Goetz added: “If you are thinking of getting a dog that belongs to a breed that is brachycephalic, it is very important to do your research first because these are breeds with a special physiology that you should be aware of.

“At Mayhew, we are here to assist and give you advice on the best course of action for your pet.”

If you are interested in adopting Ivy or any dogs in Mayhew's care, visit here or call on 020 8962 8000.

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